Mayor Gets on his Bike for Safer Cycling in De Parys

9.53.14am GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

The Safer Cycling in De Parys event participants line up before setting off

Pedal power was on show in abundance in De Parys on Sunday when Mayor Dave Hodgson joined a Safer Cycling event organised by Liberal Democrat Ward Councillor David Sawyer.

The event saw the Mayor and Cllr Sawyer joined on the ride along Goldington Road, which also featured a briefing on Safer Cycling from Bedford Borough Council's Road Safety Team, by local residents, members of the Cycling Campaign for North Bedfordshire and neighbourhood PC Val Bale.

After taking part in the cycle ride Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson said: "Encouraging people to cycle more is good for health, good for cutting congestion and good for the local and wider environment. Today's event has been a great reminder of how enjoyable cycling can be, and I hope it has been successful in raising awareness of safer cycling amongst all road users."

Liberal Democrat De Parys Ward Cllr David Sawyer added: "I regularly receive complaints from our local residents about the dangers to pedestrians caused by cycling on pavements. If challenged, pavement cyclists often say the roads are too dangerous for cyclists. I organised this event to show that it is possible to cycle safely along a busy road and to encourage people to enjoy safer cycling. In De Parys ward we need to take every possible step to encourage cycling and reduce traffic and congestion, and I am continuing to campaign for more cycling and safer cycling."